Question

The most common acid-base disturbance occurs because of impaired elimination of CO₂ by the ____________ system. Respiratory acidosis is defined as occurring when the partial pressure of ____________ in the arterial blood becomes elevated above ____________ mm Hg.

Answer 1

The most common acid-base disturbance occurs because of impaired elimination of CO₂ by the respiratory system. Respiratory acidosis is defined as occurring when the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the arterial blood becomes elevated above 45 mm Hg.

Step-by-step explanation:

It can be caused by injury to the respiratory center, disorders of the nerves or muscles involved with breathing, airway obstruction, or decreased gas exchange at the respiratory membrane.

Continued impairment can eventually cause an increase in blood carbonic acid and a subsequent increase in H⁺ concentration.